KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s decision to quit Umno and join Parti Keadilan Rakyat will not affect his position as investment, trade and industry minister, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
Anwar said Tengku Zafrul has been performing his duties well, especially in matters related to investments.
“Tengku Zafrul is a minister who has carried out his responsibilities very well. Our investments amount to hundreds of billions, many of which are thanks to his efforts.
“His position as minister is not affected, and we want him to continue his duties as his performance has been good, and the country needs his contribution,” Anwar told reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) here today.
Also present at the event were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, PBAKL organising chairman Mohd Khair Ngadiron, and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general Hazami Jahari.
Anwar, who is also Keadilan president, said the party has yet to formally discuss Tengku Zafrul’s intention to join, and any decision would be made after consulting coalition partners in the Madani government.
“He (Tengku Zafrul) has opted to apply (to join Keadilan). We haven’t discussed anything yet… let him complete his haj first, and let’s not jump to unhealthy conclusions.
“When someone makes a decision, we respect it. On behalf of Keadilan, of course we will need to discuss it with our fellow government coalition parties and decide what’s best,” he said.
On Friday, Tengku Zafrul announced his resignation as Umno Supreme Councillor, Kota Raja Umno chief, and Umno member, and expressed his intent to join Keadilan.
Barisan Nasional chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday confirmed Umno executive secretary Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan had received Tengku Zafrul’s resignation letter.
— Bernama
